 Discover Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Author: Fetchcomms (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)
Hot Springs is a small city in Arkansas. It is the county seat of Garland County and the main urban area for the Hot Springs Metropolitan Area. Hot Springs cover 33 sq mi (85.5 sq km) and has a population of around 40,000 (2011 estimate).
Guide to Hot Springs AR Hotels
Here's a list of hotels in Hot Springs AR that you can book online, listed by city, with full description, star rating, address, location map, evaluation, and prices as offered by different booking sites.
More on Hot Springs AR
As would be expected, Hot Springs was named after the natural hot springs found in the area. The hot springs area was made the Hot Springs National Park, and stands as the oldest federal reserve in the United States. The national park was also the first site to be commemorated in the America the Beautiful Quarter, a series of commemorative coins produced by the United States mint beginning in 2010, and expected to run until 2021.
Japanese Garden, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs
Author: Tim Lee (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)
The therapeutic properties of the hot springs have been recognized by Native American tribes since ancient times. The first European to sight it were two Frenchmen, priest Father Marquette and explorer Louis Jolliet, in 1673. The area was claimed by France, ceded to Spain in 1763, returned to French rule in 1800, and bought by the United States under the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
Hot Springs was devastated by the American Civil War. During that turbulent time, its residents fled to Texas or Louisiana, remaining there until the war was over. In their absence, the town was overran by bandits who pillaged the town and its properties.
Hot Springs Museum
Author: Wolfgang Beckers (GNU Free Documentation License)
Hot Springs began rebuilding itself soon after the war. It was not able to shake off gansterism, however, and by the 20th century, the town became a den for illegal gambling activities controlled by rival gangs. During the 1930's the mayor of Hot Springs held on to power through illegal means, via intimidation and vote buying. Eventually gambling was eradicated from Hot Springs in the late 1960's.
Today the city of Hot Springs cashes in on its natural thermal waters, attracting visitors with its spas and even a museum documenting the healing properties of hot springs.
Visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas
From Little Rock, take Interstate 30 heading southwest until Exit 111, then continue on US Highway 70 heading west until you arrive at Hot Springs.
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Places of Interest in Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Bathhouse Row
- Garvan Woodland Gardens
- Hot Springs National Park
- Mid America Science Museum
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